Nnewi Cathedral Dedication and the Controversy Surrounding late Ifeanyi Ubah’s Recognition

•Bishop Jonas Okoye, the Nnewi Cathedral and the late Chief Ifeanyi Ubah…

By Rev Fr Benedict C.C. Amuchie

The incident involving one Sir James Okoye, which unfolded shortly after the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, has generated considerable concern across many quarters. The Cathedral dedication itself was a momentous national event, attended by an extraordinary gathering of the Catholic hierarchy and faithfuls. Present were nearly all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, including seven Archbishops, three Cardinals, two Apostolic Nuncios, hundreds of priests and religious, as well as an impressive array of lay faithful, top government officials, and distinguished personalities from across the country.

Given the grandeur and solemnity of such an occasion, the drama that followed was not only unnecessary but deeply embarrassing. Sir James Okoye publicly protested that the Host Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, failed to acknowledge the contributions of the Late Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Uba toward the construction of the Cathedral. This claim, however, does not reflect the facts.

•Sir James Okoye

Contrary to the allegation, the Late Senator was clearly acknowledged by the Bishop earlier during the Holy Mass. Furthermore, his immense contributions were extensively and prominently documented in the official Cathedral Dedication Brochure. While some may argue that the oral mention during the Mass did not sufficiently reflect the magnitude of his generosity, the detailed recognition accorded him in the brochure was both due and proper. That, in itself, should have settled the matter.

Unfortunately, Sir James Okoye, a member of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), reacted in a manner that betrayed both restraint and decorum. His emotional outburst raised uncomfortable questions. Was the Bishop expected to rename the Cathedral after Senator Ifeanyi Uba? Or should the Bishop have proceeded to publicly acknowledge every individual, group, and family who contributed through offerings, harvests, bazaars, and donations toward the completion of the Cathedral?

As a Knight of the Church, Sir James Okoye ought to have known better. His reaction was particularly troubling when he reportedly renounced his Christian faith over a matter involving one who had already completed his earthly journey. Such a response ignores a fundamental Christian truth: whatever the Late Senator gave toward the building of the Cathedral was offered to God, not to the Bishop, and it is God alone who rewards, in His own perfect and mysterious ways.

Indeed, God’s hand was evident in Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s life. Against all odds, he won a senatorial seat in Anambra State under the platform of a minority party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), defeating candidates of the ruling party, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). That victory, achieved with the goodwill and support of the Church, stands as a testament to divine providence at work.

At his death, the Bishop personally visited his home parish and presided over his funeral Mass, an honour of the highest order that the Church could bestow. Those who now invoke his name to confront the Church are not truly acting in his interest. From his eternal rest, Senator Ifeanyi Uba himself would not endorse such actions.

There is wisdom in restraint. Public embarrassment, especially in sacred contexts, serves no one. It is expected that a man of Sir James Okoye’s age and standing should exercise emotional discipline and maturity. Let it be clearly stated that neither the Bishop nor the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi is in conflict with the family of the Late Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.
Know this, and know peace.
Shalom!

•Rev. Fr. Amuchie,
Clergy, Lecturer, prolific writer, and public affairs analyst, writes from the standpoint of truth and peace.